PubMed · 2026-04-16
Peach trees poisoned by their own root compounds can recruit specialized soil bacteria to break down the toxin and activate their immune system, offering a biological solution to a widespread crop production problem.
Amygdalin accumulated progressively in rhizosphere soil with longer continuous peach cultivation, and its buildup was more damaging in sterilized soil, proving soil microbes provide natural protection.
Three bacterial strains isolated from amygdalin-stressed peach roots significantly reduced autotoxic damage, with their combined inoculation producing the greatest improvement in plant growth.
Microbe-mediated stress relief worked through jasmonic acid (JA) signaling: applying JA externally mimicked the bacteria's protective effect, and blocking the JA pathway cancelled the microbes' benefit.
